As manager of The Hardwicke Players, Claire is responsible for publicity, finances and general administration for the group. When in production, Claire also writes and directs the group’s original scripts and undertakes a wide variety of acting roles.

Claire’s full-time employment is with a local engineering company and works within the company’s thriving Commercial Sales team, specialising in customer service.

Claire is a keen singer/songwriter and enjoys playing guitar. Her other hobbies include supporting Bristol City Football Club, attending the gym, swimming, going to the theatre, literature and cookery.

Contact Claire Chapman

Previous Parts Played :

• The Merchants of Gloucester – January 2006 – Georgina Beaumont
• Robyn Hood & The Legend of Sherwood – January 2007 – Robyn Hood
• An Evening of Comedy (sketch show) – June 2007 – Contestant (X-Factor); Studio contestant (Treasure Hunt); Lifeguard (Baywatch), Doctor Who fan (Doctor Who); Contestant (I'm not a celebrity get me out of here); Bristolian (Ow it be spoke in Glawster & a load of old Bristle); Swedish tourist (Tour Guide Nightmare)
• Cinderella: Mystery at the Pantomime – January 2008 – Catherine Collins/Buttons
• An Evening of Comedy (sketch show) – June 2008 – Mrs Richards (Fawlty Towers); The Doctor (Doctor Who); Dana Barrett (Ghostbusters); Van Boobling (Van Boobling: Vampire Slayer); Michelle Dubois (Allo Allo)
• Jack and the Beanstalk – January 2009 – Gizelle
• Clueless – June 2009 – India Millard
• The Three Musketeers – January 2010 – Madame de Treville
• Dine With Me – June 2010 – Wendy Brown
• King Arthur & The Adventures of Camelot – January 2011 – Sir Veillance
• Murder on the midnight train – June 2011 – Elizabeth Peacock
• Wizard of Oz – January 2012 – Good Witch / Aunt Em

Future parts :

• Treasure Island – June 2012 – Israel Hands / Blind Pew

Writing Credits

• The Merchants of Gloucester – January 2006
• Robyn Hood & The Legend of Sherwood – January 2007
• An Evening of Comedy (various sketches) – June 2007
• Cinderella: Mystery at the Pantomime – January 2008 (co-written with Steve Mills)
• An Evening of Comedy (Dr Who sketch) – June 2008
• Jack & the Beanstalk – January 2009
• The Three Musketeers – January 2010
• King Arthur & the Adventures of Camelot – January 2011
• Wizard of Oz – January 2012
• Treasure Island – June 2012

Christoff is a founding member of The Hardwicke Players when the group was formed in 2004 and also sits on the group's management committee. He has enjoyed a variety of acting roles, his highlight performing the part of the Sheriff of Nottingham in "Robyn Hood & The Legend of Sherwood" in January 2007.

Christoff is a professional gardener and runs his own business. His hobbies include cycling, going to the gym, socialising with his friends and has a wide taste in music which often gives him inspiration for his acting roles.

Contact Chris Paterson

Previous Parts Played :

• The Merchants of Gloucester – January 2006 – Joseph Clutterbuck
• Robyn Hood & The Legend of Sherwood – January 2007 – Sheriff of Nottingham
• An Evening of Comedy (sketch show) – June 2007 – Giles (Treasure Hunt); Lifeguard (Baywatch); Ant McPartlin (I'm not a celebrity get me out of here); Gerald the Tour Guide (Tour Guide Nightmare); Officer Crabtree (Allo Allo)
• Cinderella: Mystery at the Pantomime – January 2008 – Jack Jones / Fairy Godfather
• An Evening of Comedy (sketch show) – June 2008 – Manuel (Fawlty Towers); Commander Norrington (Pirates of the Caribbean); Peter Venkman (Ghostbusters); Lt Gruber (Allo Allo)
• Jack and the Beanstalk – January 2009 – Dame Trott
• Clueless – June 2009 – Reverent Forrest
• The Three Musketeers – January 2010 – Porthos
• Dine With Me – June 2010 – Ronnie Moore
• King Arthur & The Adventures of Camelot – January 2011 – Mordred
• Murder on the midnight train – June 2011 – James Rouge
• Wizard of Oz – January 2012 – Professor Marvel / Uncle Henry

Future Parts :

• Treasure Island – June 2012 – Jolly Roger

As one of the original members, Chris has been involed in all the productions of the Hardwicke Players since 2005. As well as taking on main acting roles, Chris is also in charge of scenery design and painting, as well as other technical aspects. He is also a member of the management commitee.

Chris's main job is working as a cabinetmaker at Peter Hall Ltd in Cheltenham since 2001, where he makes commissioned bespoke furniture. He also has a part time job working as a waiter at Stratton House Hotel in Cirencester where he has been for the past eight years.

Hobbies include things like walking and cycling in the countryside, cooking and entertaining, and DIY/crafts.

Chris also is a fan of different sorts of music and enjoys going to see live gigs.

Contact Chris Sellars

Previous Parts Played :

• The Merchants of Gloucester – January 2006 – Samuel Willoughby
• Robyn Hood & The Legend of Sherwood – January 2007 – Prince Rupert
• An Evening of Comedy (sketch show) – June 2007 – Contestant (X-Factor); C-3PO (Star Wars); Cilla Black (Blind Date); Declan Donnelly (I'm not a celebrity get me out of here); Herr Flick (Allo Allo)
• Cinderella: Mystery at the Pantomime – January 2008 – Dame Daryl Deville / Step-sister
• An Evening of Comedy (sketch show) – June 2008 – Dougal (Fawlty Towers); Egon Spengler (Ghostbusters); Count Dracula (Van Boobling: Vampire Slayer); Fairfax (Allo Allo)
• Jack and the Beanstalk – January 2009 – Squire Maguire / Gregory
• Clueless – June 2009 – Grieves
• The Three Musketeers – January 2010 – Aramis
• Dine with Me – June 2010 – Oliver Best
• King Arthur & The Adventures of Camelot – January 2011 – Madam Penelope Pantaloon
• Murder on the midnight train – June 2011 – Colonel Jack Mustard
• Wizard of Oz – January 2012 – Tin Man

Future Parts :

• Treasure Island – June 2012 – Long John Silver

George has been a part of the Hardwicke player’s team now for two years and is looking forward to his first big part in the upcoming performance of Murder on the midnight train. He has recently finished school and has just turned 18. At the moment George is doing acting training in Bristol and is looking to make this a career. His love for acting started at primary school and has blossomed ever since.

Contact George Ross

Previous Shows Assisted on :

• Dine with Me – June 2010

Previous Parts Played :

• King Arthur & The Adventures of Camelot – January 2011 – Jester & Robin of the Hoodie
• Murder on the midnight train – June 2011 – Dr Adam Saffron

Jake is one of the Hardwicke Players' youngest members. As well as being a talented young actor, Jake's other past times include football and winding up Steve about Manchester United's latest defeat!

Previous Parts Played :

• Cinderella: Mystery at the Pantomime – January 2008 – PC Edwards
• Jack and the Beanstalk – January 2009 – Jake the Lad
• Clueless – June 2009 – Damien Etchingham
• The Three Musketeers – January 2010 – Sebastian
• Dine with Me – June 2010 – Junior Bond
• King Arthur & The Adventures of Camelot – January 2010 – Sir Cumference
• Murder on the midnight train – June 2011 – Joseph Charcoal

As a member of the Hardwicke players, Lisa has performed in each production over the past four years & is responsible for the hair & makeup of the cast.

Lisa works full time for a local software & solutions company within their busy sales department.

As an avid reader, Lisa attends a monthly book group. Other hobbies include; swimming, cooking & painting. Lisa is a self confessed 'shoe-a-holic' & has a collection to rival Emelda Marcos!

Contact Lisa Chapman

Previous Parts Played :

• The Merchants of Gloucester – January 2006 – Catherine Willoughby
• Robyn Hood & The Legend of Sherwood – January 2007 – Ant / Sister Myfanwy
• An Evening of Comedy (sketch show) – June 2007 – Sharon Osborne (X-Factor); TV presenter (It's a puppet); Lauren (Blind Date); French tourist (Tour Guide Nightmare)
• Cinderella: Mystery at the Pantomime – January 2008 – Lily Adams / Dandini
• An Evening of Comedy (sketch show) – June 2008 – Sybil Fawlty (Fawlty Towers); Sarah-Jane Smith (Doctor Who); Elizabeth Swan (Pirates of the Caribbean); Chat show guest (Monty Python); Contestant (Crystal Maze)
• Jack and the Beanstalk – January 2009 – Jack
• Clueless – June 2009 – Lucinda Lovelace
• The Three Musketeers – January 2010 – Milady de Winter
• King Arthur & The Adventures of Camelot – January 2011 – Lady Guinevere
• Wizard of Oz – January 2012 – Dorothy

Liz Massey joined the Hardwicke Players in the summer of 2008 ready to join the cast for Jack and the Beanstalk.

She is just 18yrs old and has recently finished senior school and is preparing for college and the dreaded A Levels!

After a keen interest in acting, through her GCSE Drama qualification, and much persuasion from her ever annoying dad (yes he did help write this profile!), she decided to join the Hardwicke players.

Away from the pressures of treading the boards, Liz is studying to take up her dream job of being a forensic scientist.

She is also a keen follower of Tae Kwondo and in the summer of 2008 managed to achieve the level of first dan black belt in the martial art.

She is also keen on her X box (especially when she lets her dad have a go!) and reading. She has a sister Alana whom she likes to argue with regularly (ok so that bit was definitely dad’s) and is at times Mummy no 2!

Liz hopes that throughout her studies she can continue to act and develop her thespian skills!!

Contact Liz Massey

Previous Parts Played :

• Jack and the Beanstalk – January 2009 – Martha the Milkmaid
• Clueless – June 2009 – Patricia Etchingham
• The Three Musketeers – January 2010 – D’Artagnan
• Dine with Me – June 2010 – Michelle Du Blanc
• King Arthur & The Adventures of Camelot – January 2011 – Morgana
• Murder on the midnight train – June 2011 – Barbara White
• Wizard of Oz – January 2012 – Wicked Witch

Future Parts :

• Treasure Island – June 2012 – Jim Hawkins

Lighting Engineer

Paul has been exposed to theatre from a young age, this stems from his mum playing in local orchestras for various amateur dramatics groups across the county.

He was also involved in the Annual college show when he was undertaking his degree at what is now The University of Gloucestershire.
This involved madly driving vans around the country picking up items of props and sets in the run-up to the show. And then working on stage during the show week.

Productions he worked on were :-

• Sweet Charity (1998)
• Oklahoma (1999)
• Me and My Girl (2000)
• West Side Story (2001)
• Babes in Arms (2002)
• Godspell (2003)
• Return to the Forbidden Planet (2004)

Sadly the Uni no longer produce an annual show nowadays. So Paul was looking for something to get him back into the world of theatre.

Enter ...... The Hardwicke Players!!!!

After a number of chats with people and then meeting for the occasional beverage (alcoholic of course). Paul was invited to advise on the lighting for Robyn Hood & The Legend of Sherwood, and has not looked back since.

With the move from Quedgeley Village Hall to the Kings Theatre, Paul now has a full sized stage and professional lighting rig to work with, and technical support from the theatre to aid him in his designs.

Paul has also managed to rope in long-standing friend Tim May, so that he is able to share the load of production work.

Paul is looking forward to Treasure Island in June 2012.

Be there or be square !!!!

(By the way I don't always look like the above picture - Thank God)

Contact Paul Shephard

Shows consulted on :

• Robyn Hood & The Legend of sherwod – January 2007
• An Evening of Comedy – June 2007
• Cinderella: Mystery at the Pantomime – January 2008
• An Evening of Comedy – June 2008
• Jack and the Beanstalk – January 2009
• Three Musketeers – January 2010
• Dine with Me – June 2010
• King Arthur & The Adventures of Camelot – January 2011
• Murder on the midnight train – June 2011
• Wizard of Oz – January 2012

Future shows Assisted on :

• Treasure Island – June 2012

As a member of The Hardwicke Players planning group (or should it be called a Committee!!!!!!!), Richard supports all aspects of the development and planning process involved in bringing a production to the stage. This includes helping to generate ideas and funds, painting scenery, promotion and making the tea! He has been involved in all previous productions and immensely enjoys his time on stage "making people laugh”!

Richard is an Education Welfare Officer with Gloucestershire County Council and is qualified Youth Worker.

In his spare time Richard is an active member of St John Ambulance including running a Cadet unit, is an Expedition Assessor with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and is involved in local political activity.

Contact Richard J Edwards

Previous Parts Played :

• The Merchants of Gloucester – January 2006 – Mrs Clutterbuck
• Robyn Hood & The Legend of Sherwood – January 2007 – Little Jack
• An Evening of Comedy (sketch show) – June 2007 – Louis Walsh (X-Factor); Luke Skyscraper (Star Wars); Contestant (Blind Date); Gloucesterite (Ow it be spoke in Glawster & a load of old Bristle); Rene Artois (Allo Allo)
• Cinderella: Mystery at the Pantomime – January 2008 – Georgie the director
• An Evening of Comedy (sketch show) – June 2008 – The Major (Fawlty Towers); Will Turner (Pirates of the Caribbean); Wally Harker (Van Boobling: Vampire Slayer); Rene Artois (Allo Allo)
• Jack and the Beanstalk – January 2009 – Smash
• Clueless – June 2009 – Inspector Clueless
• The Three Musketeers – January 2010 – Athos
• Dine with Me – June 2010 – Parker the Butler
• King Arthur & The Adventures of Camelot – January 2011 – Lancelot
• Murder on the midnight train – June 2011 – Professor Peter Plum
• Wizard of Oz – January 2012 – Scarecrow

Future Parts :

• Treasure Island – June 2012 – Squire Trelawney

Steve is currently the chairman of The Hardwicke Players. While this may seem to be prestigious title, it's a role which sees him constantly doing bizarre things for the group.

He has performed and written material while he has been assistant director/stage manager on every single one of the productions. In the past, he's also sorted out sound effects and taken a key role in bringing production's to life.

Steve is currently in the middle of his first full length piece for the group, entitled Clueless, to be performed next year.

When not making increasingly wierd props (didgeridoo) and on random shopping trips, Steve does even more ridiculous stuff as a reporter for the Daventry Express newspaper in Northamptonshire with scoops including such hard hitting subjects as acupuncture, sailing and judo (all three quite literally). He is also the leisure and schools correspondent for the paper.

Steve does not believe that such a thing exists as free time, but when he does snatch five minutes, he supports Manchester United, goes to the theatre, enjoys films, books and the television.

Contact Steve Mills

Previous Parts Played :

• The Merchants of Gloucester – January 2006 – Matthew Grimwald
• Robyn Hood & The Legend of Sherwood – January 2007 – Robin Hood senior / Dec
• An Evening of Comedy (sketch show) – June 2007 – Simon Cowell (X-Factor); Journalist (Clark Kent vs Peter Parker), The Doctor (Doctor Who); Contestant (Blind Date); Captain Geering (Allo Allo), Dereko Akora (Most Haunted)
• Cinderella: Mystery at the Pantomime – January 2008 – Steve acted as stage manager during this production and stood in for Dame Daryl at the very last minute!!
• An Evening of Comedy (sketch show) – June 2008 – Basil Fawlty (Fawlty Towers); The Master (Doctor Who); Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean); Michael Parkinson (Monty Python); Zuul (Ghostbusters); Stoker (Van Boobling: Vampire Slayer); Richard O'Brien (Crystal Maze)
• Jack and the Beanstalk – January 2009 – Stage manager
• Clueless – June 2009 – Roger/Thomas Etchingham
• The Three Musketeers – January 2010 – Cardinal Richlieu
• Dine with Me – June 2010 – Thomas Stone
• King Arthur & The Adventures of Camelot – January 2011 – Merlin
• Murder on the midnight train – June 2011 – Captain Hatstands/ Hercule Parott

Writing Credits

• An Evening of Comedy (various sketches) – June 2007
• Cinderella: Mystery at the Pantomime – January 2008 (co-written with Claire Chapman)
• An Evening of Comedy (various sketches) – June 2008
• Clueless – June 2009
• Dine With Me! – June 2010

Stuart’s original involvment with the Hardwicke Players was a backstage role on The Merchants of Gloucester - moving props and handling the sound cues. Gradually Stuart’s role expanded, from helping backstage, to co-writing some sketches with Steve. The infamous “on hold” skecthes were the result of a light hearted conversation with Steve in a pub in Manchester.

Stu’s first stage appearance was Gonzo the Magnificent. A comedy sketch that he had written as a dialogue between an inept magician and a single member of the audience. Suffering terrible stage fright Stu barely managed to stumble through the sketch.

Stuart’s next appearance was as Gerald the ugly sister in Cinderalla. This time he was better prepared, laid back, confident and aware of what to expect. He also had the advantage of performing another person's script (Claire's). Stu found it much easier than perform another persons sketch. His philosophy is:

when you have a sketch that someone else has written, you know that is funny and that the audience will laugh, because you laughed yourself when you first read it, whereas when performing your own script you never know if the audience share the same sense of humour.

Outside of the theatre (and there is life outside the panto!) Stuart enjoys ice skating and Warhammer. Stuart has recently joined a Civil War reenactment society and spends weekends scaring the public and drinking around a camp fire until the small hours. Stuart is eagerly awaiting his blackpowder license!! Stuart works as a Java developer, and used his limited PHP and CSS skills to create most of the bugs you see in this site!! Thank you W3schools for (nearly) idiot proof instructions!

Editor's note: Stuart's musket and gunpowder certificates have arrived! A horrifying thought! Rest assured that despite his vocal complaints, pleading and sulking he is still NOT allowed to use his musket on stage. Ever!

Contact Stuart Wright

Previous Parts Played :

• An Evening of Comedy (sketch show) – June 2007 – Journalist (Clark Kent vs Peter Parker); Magician (It's a kind of magic)
• Cinderella: Mystery at the Pantomime – January 2008 – Gerry Granger / Step-sister
• An Evening of Comedy (sketch show) – June 2008 – Delivery man (Fawlty Towers); Chat show guests (Monty Python); Contestant (Crystal Maze)
• Jack and the Beanstalk – January 2009 – Grab
• Clueless – June 2009 – Professor Churchill
• The Three Musketeers – January 2010 – King Louis XIII
• Dine with Me – June 2010 – Stanislavski
• King Arthur & The Adventures of Camelot – January 2011 – King Arthur
• Murder on the midnight train – June 2011 – Miss Marbles
• Wizard of Oz – January 2012 – Wizard of Oz

Future Parts :

• Treasure Island – June 2012 – Captain Smollett

Stage manager

Toni Massey was the latest member of the Massey/May family to join the Hardwicke Players in 2009 in time to stage manage her first production “Clueless”. Toni’s abilities go far beyond stage managing as she also produces most of the Hardwicke Players’ costumes and is instrumental in organising many show props and scenery.

Contact Toni Massey

Shows Assisted on

• Clueless – June 2009
• The Three Musketeers – January 2010
• Come Dine With Me – January 2010
• Murder on the midnight train – June 2011
• Wizard of Oz – January 2012

Future shows Assisted on:

• Treasure Island – June 2012

Sound Engineer

Tim joined the Hardwicke Players in early 2008, in time to prepare for the summer comedy night. After working in Nightclubs as a Light jock over the years and deciding to hang up the headphones, it was time for a new challenge.

After many discussions between Tim and his long standing friend Paul Shephard, Tim joined to assist in the lighting and sound for future productions. Having got through one Tim never looked back and took up his new position as sound effects advisor. He even played Daisy the cow in the pantomime!!!

Outside of the Hardwicke Players Tim May has an active working life as an IT Professional and part time DJ. He also spends much of his time looking after his two children (possibly the most precious thing in the world to Tim) Alana and Elizabeth (Yes she acts too !!).

He is soon to be married (hopefully !!) to his girlfriend Toni and they hope to continue raising their family here in Gloucester.

His interests include Ice Hockey, Professional Cycle Racing and Music. He has been known to play a little roller hockey, and cycles to work regularly but could not be considered an athlete just yet !! Musically, as a DJ, pretty much anything goes although even Tim has trouble mixing Beethoven with Basshunter !!!

Tim is looking forward to all the upcoming productions, and hopes he learns to walk bent over !!!

Contact Tim May

Previous Parts Played :

• Jack and the Beanstalk – January 2009 – Daisy The Cow

Shows Assisted on :

• An Evening of Comedy – June 2008
• Clueless – June 2009
• The Three Musketeers – January 2010
• Come Dine With Me – January 2010
• Murder on the midnight train – June 2011
• Wizard of Oz – January 2012 – Munchkin catcher

Future Parts :

• Treasure Island – June 2012

Alana is following in the footsteps of mum Toni, dad Tim and big sister Elizabeth in becoming the latest member of the Massey / May family to join the Hardwicke Players. She is set to take on her biggest acting role to date as Victoria Violet in Murder on the Midnight Train and is looking forward to her forthcoming part in the Wizard of Oz as Bobbin the munchkin.

Previous Parts Played :

• The Three Musketeers – January 2010 – Lady in waiting
• Dine with Me – June 2010 – Young Michelle
• King Arthur & The Adventures of Camelot – January 2011 – Stardust
• Murder on the midnight train – June 2011 – Victoria Scarlett
• Wizard of Oz – January 2012 – Bobbin the munchkin

Future Parts:

• Treasure Island – June 2012 – Chorus

The Hardwicke Players are delighted to have Hope as a member of the group and she is set to take on her 3^rd acting role, having previously taken part in Dine With Me and King Arthur & the adventures of Camelot and helped behind the scenes in our 2010 pantomime The Three Musketeers

Previous Parts Played :

• Dine with Me – June 2010 – Miss Bond
• King Arthur & The Adventures of Camelot – January 2011 – Sir Prancelot
• Murder on the midnight train – June 2011 – Abigail Scarlett
• Wizard of Oz – January 2012 – Kara (Wicked Witch’s assistant)

Future Parts:

• Treasure Island – June 2012 – Sam Arrow